[0001] The present invention relates to passenger moving installations such as those used
in all manner of large-scale premises, for example, in airports and/or stations in
which there is an aim to facilitate safe passenger movement. In particular, the invention
relates to a passenger moving installation comprising a plurality of tread elements
which form an endless conveyor belt, wherein the plurality of tread elements are at
least partially covered by at least one element which limits a transportation height
of a user set of the installation: The invention also relates to a method to determine
for a passenger moving installation comprising a plurality of tread elements at least
partially covered by at least one element, a risk of collision between a user set
and said at least one element. The invention also relates to a method for modernizing
a passenger moving installation comprising a plurality of tread elements at least
partially covered by at least one element.
[0002] It is thus an object of the invention to improve passenger risk awareness and thus
safety on passenger moving installations. This object is solved by a passenger moving
installation according to claim 1, a method according to claim 13 and a method according
to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are subject of the sub-claims and the description.
[0003] The term "user set" is to be understood in the context of this invention as meaning
the passenger and any item/object of any size that they are carrying on their person,
e.g., luggage, sports equipment etc., or using their person via e.g., a trolley to
transport such an item/object. The user set can also refer to a passenger of a particular
height, wherein said height and the at least one element limits the height of transportation.
[0004] The term "element" is to be understood as being the roof above the tread elements/one
or more lights/decoration hanging from said roof, etc. It could also be any element
in any form in the vicinity above the tread elements of the moving walkway. In the
case where a light or a decoration is hanging from the ceiling, the at least one element
will be that which is closest to the tread elements of the passenger moving installation.
[0005] The term "passenger moving installation" comprises escalators and moving walkways.
[0006] The passenger moving installation according to the invention comprises a plurality
of tread elements which form an endless conveyor belt, wherein the plurality of tread
elements are at least partially covered by at least one element which limits a transportation
height of a user set of the installation and a safety system which is adapted to detect
if there is a risk of collision between the user set and the at least one element.
This risk detection system improves passenger awareness and thus safety.
[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the passenger moving installation is adapted to detect
a risk of collision via the safety system. The safety system is preferably positioned
in an area above the tread elements of the moving installation. It determines whether
the height of the user set reaches or exceeds a safety threshold with respect to a
maximum height. The height of the element or the part of the element which is closest
to the tread elements of the moving installation represents the maximum height of
the safety threshold. Thus the safety threshold is determined by the distance between
the at least one element and the tread elements of the moving installation and is
preferably chosen with a safety offset with respect to the maximum height. That means
the safety threshold equals the maximum height minus the safety offset. The safety
offset might be between 0.1 % and 10% of the maximum height, preferably between 1
% and 2.5 % of the maximum height. Preferably, the maximum height depends on the specifics
of the installation. For example, in some case the threshold can be fixed whilst in
others, it can be an adjustable parameter, adapted to be manipulated by an authorized
person, for example, a technician, operator, owner of the installation.
[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the safety system of the passenger moving installation
is adapted to trigger an event at a control unit. Preferably the event includes actions
such as storing images of user sets for future reference; displaying images in a control
room; activating an alarm; activating a light signal. It is also envisaged that, once
the alarm is activated, the moving installation can be configured to slow down and
eventually stop. Preferably, stopping will occur if the height risk has not been removed
despite the moving installation slowing down. This provides for the possibility of
the user to rectify the height risk his/herself, without causing major interruption
to travel on the moving installation. For example, once the detected height reaches
or exceeds the safety threshold e.g., a risk of collision between the user set and
the at least one element is detected, the event that will be triggered is an alarm.
This advantageously provides a means of communication between the passenger moving
installation and the passenger when the height of a user set exceeds the safety threshold.
The passenger is made aware of the risk so that they can remedy the situation, thus
improving safety for all users of the moving installation. The alarm can be visual
or audio or a combination of both, for example, the alarm can be a siren, a loud speaker,
a signal light, or a combination of both, e.g., a signal light and a siren. Should
no risk be detected, the triggered event can be the storing of images of a user set
in a databank, which can then be used at a future date as a reference point. Alternatively,
or additionally, the triggered event can be the displaying of images in a control
room. This advantageously allows the user set to be monitored throughout the path
of travel on the passenger moving installation. It is envisaged that one or several
events can be carried out at any one time.
[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the passenger moving installation according to the
invention can be further distinguished in that the safety system comprises a monitoring
device. The monitoring device is adapted to monitor in a predetermined monitoring
area at least the height of the user set.
[0010] The monitoring area is the area about the passenger moving installation in which
the safety system is adapted to trigger an event, for example, activate an alarm,
if there is a risk of collision between the user set and the safety threshold. The
monitoring area includes at least the volume of space which the user set occupies.
The monitoring area can be an area prior to entering the passenger moving installation,
i.e., an area in the immediate vicinity to the front of the entrance to the moving
installation; or on the moving installation itself; or both. The passenger moving
installation includes up to the entire length of the moving installation as defined
by the handrail.
[0011] Preferably, the monitoring area includes all areas of and around the moving installation
which are used by a user set. For example, the monitoring area includes the volume
of space which the user set occupies when in front of the passenger moving installation
before mounting occurs. This can include the volume of space when the user set is
3 meters or less from the entrance to the moving passenger installation, preferably
when the user set is 1 meter or less from the entrance to the moving passenger installation,
more preferably when the user set is 0.5 meter or less from the entrance to the moving
passenger installation. Another example of the monitoring area includes the volume
of space occupied by the user set during mounting and travelling on the passenger
moving installation. Another example of the monitoring area includes the volume of
space which the user set occupies when in front of the passenger moving installation
before mounting occurs and the volume of space occupied by the user set during mounting
and travelling on the passenger moving installation. This can include the volume of
space when the user set is 3 meters or less from the entrance to the moving passenger
installation, preferably when the user set is 1 meter or less from the entrance to
the moving passenger installation, more preferably when the user set is 0.5 meter
or less from the entrance to the moving passenger installation.
[0012] In an advantageous embodiment the safety threshold in relation to the passenger moving
installation according to the invention, is a predetermined height value which is
preferably stored in the safety system. Preferably, the safety system is adapted to
compare the height data of the user set with the predetermined height value.
[0013] The monitoring device can operate via various means, e.g., at least one sensor; at
least one light emitting means, e.g., a laser, light emitting diode; at least one
camera or any combination thereof. The input data that the monitoring device receives
depends on the means used. For example, when a camera is used, the data input is the
images of user(s)/user set(s). This advantageously allows for the height of a user
set to be monitored and subsequently measured. Lasers are highly accurate yet expensive
means of monitoring; sensors, e.g., motion, heat, light or infra-red, are also accurate
means of monitoring and they are cheaper in comparison as well as easier to install
and maintain; a camera is also an accurate means of monitoring which is cheaper and
easier maintained compared to other devices. All means of monitoring the monitoring
area are equally applicable in the invention.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the passenger moving installation according to the
invention can be further distinguished in that the monitoring device comprises at
least one camera. In an advantageous embodiment, the passenger moving installation
according to the invention can be further distinguished in that the monitoring device
comprises at least one sensor. In an advantageous embodiment, the passenger moving
installation according to the invention can be further distinguished in that the monitoring
device comprises at least one camera and at least one sensor.
[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the passenger moving installation can be adapted to
have at least two modes, an active mode and a sleep mode, wherein the active mode
is in operation as soon as the user set enters the monitoring area and remains operational
until the user set exits said monitoring area. This advantageously allows for energy
saving when the moving installation is not in use. In cases where several user sets
are using the passenger moving installation at the same time, the active mode remains
in operation from the point in time when the first user set enters the monitoring
area until the last user set vacates the monitoring area. The active mode can thus
last from a few minutes to several hours. When a user set first enters the monitoring
area, the active mode is triggered and the monitoring device is in the "on" configuration.
It remains continuously so until no user set remains in the monitoring area.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the safety system is preferably positioned in a fixed
space on the moving installation. Most preferably, it is positioned such that the
monitoring area covers the user set in front of the passenger moving installation
before mounting occurs.
[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the safety system is positioned such that the
monitoring area covers the user set during mounting and travelling on the moving installation.
[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the safety system is positioned such that the
monitoring area covers the user set in front of the passenger moving installation
before mounting occurs and during mounting and travelling on the moving installation.
This particular embodiment advantageously provides for monitoring of the user set
at all stages of travel on a passenger moving installation and can be achieved using
for example, a camera with a 360° lens, a movable lens, or more than one lens, a camera
and a sensor, or two cameras, among others.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the safety device comprises at least one of the following:
a height-detection means for determining the height of a user set, preferably in the
monitoring area; a control unit for triggering an event, e.g., activating an alarm;
a tracking system for tracking the position of the user set, preferably in the monitoring
area. Preferably, the safety device comprises a height-detection means for determining
the height of a user set, preferably in the monitoring are and a control unit for
triggering an event, e.g., activating an alarm.
[0020] The safety device can optionally further comprise at least one tracking system for
tracking the position of the user set. The tracking system preferably tracks the user
set when in the monitoring area and can be adapted to track the movement of the user
set throughout their transit on the passenger moving installation.
[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the optional tracking system comprises at least one
sensor selected from the group of infra-red, visual, heat, light. This provides a
safety system which can be adapted to use several tracking means. Tracking preferably
occurs within the monitoring area. The tracking system can be physically distinct
from the monitoring device or included in it. If physically distinct, it is preferable
to incorporate it at a fixed position where it includes the monitoring area.
[0022] The height-detection means preferably covers the same monitoring area as the monitoring
device. The tracking system can also cover the same monitoring area as the monitoring
device and/or the height-detection means. The height-detection means can be distinct
from or included in the monitoring device of the safety system, or optionally be distinct
from or included in the tracking system. The height-detection means is preferably
in communication with at least one of the following of the safety system: the monitoring
device; the tracking system; a control unit. When the height of the safety threshold
is reached or exceeded, the control unit triggers an event, preferably the event is
the sounding of an alarm. The height-detection means can be any computer programmable
chip known in the art which can be incorporated into the safety device. It is preferably
a chip comprising an algorithm that can be manipulated via computer to take into account
the height of the at least one element above the plurality of treads of a moving walking
installation and where necessary, the various heights of the at least one element
in the event there are several elements at different heights. This advantageously
allows the safety system to be programmable according to the exact height of the at
least one element of a moving installation.
[0023] The control unit is preferably comprised within the safety system. It is also possible
to sync the control unit of the safety system with the control unit of the moving
installation so that when for example, an alarm is activated due to a detected height
risk preferybly via the control unit of the safety system, the control unit of the
moving installation is also activated and causes the moving installation to slow down
and eventually stop. It is preferred that stopping will only occur if the height risk
has not been removed within three minutes of sounding the alarm, preferably within
two minutes of sounding the alarm, preferably within one minute of sounding the alarm.
This provides for an improvement in user safety of moving installations.
[0024] The safety system, in particular the monitoring device and/or the tracking system
and/or the height-detection means can be incorporated at several fixed positions along
the length of the safety threshold, e.g., along the ceiling space above the tread
elements, or attached to a light or a decoration or an object hanging therefrom, or
indeed any combination of the above. In the event the tracking system is physically
distinct from the monitoring device, the tracking system is preferably mounted to
the fixed space which also hosts the monitoring device, or it is mounted externally
to the monitoring device itself.
[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the fixed space refers to the area before the user
set mounts the moving installation. Preferably, this is a position above the entrance
to the moving installation. In this particular embodiment, the tracking system is
preferably incorporated with the monitoring device. More preferably, the height-detection
means and optionally the tracking system, is/are incorporated with the monitoring
device. This advantageously provides a safety system that can be adapted to monitor
certain positions of a user set when about to use a moving installation. It provides
that a user set can be monitored before mounting a moving installation and raise any
alarm beforehand if necessary.
[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the fixed space refers to the area above the
tread elements which is at least partially covered by at least one element. In this
particular embodiment, the height-detection means and optionally the tracking system
are incorporated into any one or more of at least; the monitoring device, a ceiling
space, at least one element, a decoration. This advantageously provides a safety system
that can be adapted to monitor a user set throughout the complete use of the moving
installation, from pre-mounting, to mounting/travelling and dismounting a moving installation.
Should the height of a user set change during travel, for example, a passenger shifts
luggage to a different arm or transfers it to a different person, an event can occur
to warn of the height restriction, e.g., an alarm can be raised.
[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the safety system comprises a height-detection means,
a tracking system and a monitoring device. This is particularly advantageous because
in the event the monitoring device fails, the tracking system will still be operational
and be able to trigger an event at the control unit, e.g., alert the user/passenger
to any height risks, and
vice versa. Thus, passenger safety is significantly improved.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the fixed space refers to a position above the entrance
to the moving installation and the area above the tread elements which is at least
partially covered by at least one element.
[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the safety threshold is comprised of at least one
sensor which forms a detection beam or area, wherein the height of the threshold is
defined by the position of the at least one sensor. This advantageously provides for
a safety threshold whose height can be adjusted according to requirements of the moving
installation, and wherein the height remains constant throughout. Preferably this
sensor can act as a monitoring device, a tracking device, a height-detection means,
or any combination thereof.
[0030] In another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method to determine
for a passenger moving installation comprising a plurality of tread elements at least
partially covered by at least one element, a risk of collision between a user set
and said at least one element, said method comprising the following steps:
- a) determining the relevant height data of the user set in a monitoring area via a
safety system;
- b) comparing the height data of the user set in the monitoring area with the height
of a safety threshold;
- c) triggering an event at the safety system, preferably, activating an alarm if the
height of the user set reaches or exceeds the safety threshold.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method for modernizing
a passenger moving installation comprising a plurality of tread elements at least
partially covered by at least one element wherein a safety system is provided which
is adapted to detect if there is a risk of collision between a user set and the at
least one element, wherein the safety system comprises a monitoring device wherein
the monitoring device is adapted to monitor in a predetermined monitoring area such
that the predetermined monitoring area includes the user set:
- a) in front of the passenger moving installation before mounting occurs; or
- b) during mounting and travelling on the passenger moving installation; or
- c) in front of the passenger moving installation before mounting occurs and during
mounting and travelling on the passenger moving installation .
[0032] This advantageously allows for an existing passenger moving installation to be upgraded
in relation to user safety thanks to the introduction of a safety system which is
adapted to detect if there is a risk of collision between the user set and at least
one element preferably positioned above the moving installation.
[0033] In an advantageous embodiment of this particular aspect of the invention, the safety
system further comprises at least one of the following: a tracking system for tracking
the position of the user set within the monitoring area, a height-detection means.
Preferably, the monitoring device and at least one of the tracking system and the
height-detection means are positioned in the same fixed space.
[0034] The invention is described in more detail with the help of the figures, wherein it
is shown schematically:
Figure 1a a process diagram showing the relationship between the safety system and
a triggered event.
Figure 1b a process diagram showing the relationship between the safety system and
the control unit of the passenger moving installation.
Figure 2c a process diagram showing the relationship between the safety system comprising
a tracking system and a triggered event.
Figure 1d a process diagram showing the relationship between the safety system comprising
a tracking system and the control unit of the passenger moving installation.
Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a passenger moving installation
according to the invention.
Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a passenger moving
installation according to the invention.
Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a passenger moving
installation according to the invention.
Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the different scenarios and outcomes foreseen with
a passenger moving installation according to the invention.
[0035] Figure 1a is a process diagram 100 showing a safety system 40 of a passenger moving
installation according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the event
45 that is triggered is an alarm. The safety system 40 comprises a monitoring device
41, a height-detection means 43 and a control unit 44. The monitoring device 41 is
connected with the height-detection means 43 and the control unit 44. The height-detection
means 43 is connected with the monitoring device 41 and the control unit 44. The control
unit 44 is connected with each component part, the monitoring device 41, the height-detection
means 43 as well as the alarm 45. The dashed lines/arrows represent the direction
in which signals/information can be sent and/or received by each respective part,
i.e., the monitoring device 41, the height-detection means 43 the control unit 44
and the alarm 45. Once a risk of collision is detected, the control unit 44 triggers
the alarm 45. The alarm is audio, visual or both.
[0036] Figure 1b shows the same set-up as in figure 1a with the exception that the alarm
45 is connected to both the control unit 44 of the safety system 40, as well as to
a control unit 12 of the passenger moving installation. In this situation, once the
height-detection means 43 detects a risk of collision, the control unit 44 triggers
the alarm 45. The activated alarm 45 triggers a signal to the control unit 12 of the
passenger moving installation which causes the tread elements 11 of the moving installation
to slow down and eventually stop.
[0037] Figure 1c is a process diagram 100 showing a safety device 40 of a passenger moving
installation according to another embodiment of the invention. In this example, the
event 45 that is triggered is an alarm. The safety system 40 comprises a monitoring
device 41, a tracking system 42, a height-detection means 43 and a control unit 44.
The monitoring device 41 is connected with the height-detection means 43 via the tracking
system 42, and the control unit 44. The tracking system 42 is connected with the monitoring
device 41, the height-detection means 43 and the control unit 44. The height-detection
means 43 is connected with the monitoring device 41 via the tracking system 42, and
the control unit 44. It is also envisaged that the monitoring device 41 is connected
to the height-detection means 43 via a direct connection rather than via the tracking
system 42. The control unit 44 is connected with each component part, the monitoring
device 41, the tracking system 42 and the height-detection means 43. The dashed lines
and arrows represent the direction in which signals for example information can be
sent and/or received by each respective part, i.e., the monitoring device 41, the
tracking system 42, the height-detection means 43 the control unit 44 and the alarm
45. Once a risk of collision is detected, the control unit 44 activates the alarm
45. The alarm is audio, visual or both.
[0038] Figure 1d shows the same set-up as in figure 1c with the exception that the alarm
45 is connected to both the control unit 44 of the safety system 40, as well as to
a control unit 12 of the passenger moving installation. In this situation, once the
height-detection means 43 detects a risk of collision, the control unit 44 triggers
the alarm 45. The activated alarm 45 triggers a signal to the control unit 12 of the
passenger moving installation which causes the tread elements 11 of the moving installation
to slow down and eventually stop.
[0039] Figure 2 shows an escalator as passenger moving installation 10 according to an advantageous
embodiment of the invention. The escalator 10 comprises a plurality of tread elements
11 which are shown by the arrow as moving in an upward direction. It is also envisaged
that the tread elements can move in a downward direction or along a horizontal positon.
Indeed it is envisaged that the tread elements 11 can be adapted to move along any
angle within safety regulations or requirements.
[0040] The tread elements 11 of the escalator10 are covered by a ceiling 20. The escalator
10 comprises a safety system 40 positioned above the beginning of the tread elements
11, wherein said safety system 40 comprises a monitoring device 41. The safety system
40 also comprises a height-detection means (not shown) a control unit 44 and an alarm
45, however, they are not shown here. It could optionally comprise a tracking system
42. It is envisaged that these components are comprised within the same fixed space,
preferably the same housing as the monitoring device 41 of the safety system 40. The
monitoring device 41 in this example is a camera.
[0041] Prior to the escalator 10 being set in operation, the safety system 40 is programmed
according to the requirements of the escalator 10, for example, the safety threshold
50 height data is recorded and stored via computer (not shown). Once stored and the
escalator 10 is in operation, the safety system 40 via the camera 41 constantly monitors
the height of any user set 30 as it enters and travels through the monitoring area
411 towards the escalator 10. The user set 30 enters the monitoring area 411 at point
"X".
[0042] Two different heights are shown in this figure; H
1 refers to the height from the bottom of the tread elements 11 to the ceiling 20 directly
above. H
2 refers to the height from the bottom of the tread elements 11 to the safety threshold
50. When the user set 30 is in the monitoring area 411, i.e. the volume of space which
the user set occupies when in front of the passenger moving installation before mounting
occurs, and the height-detection means detects the height of the user set 30 to be
the same as or exceed the safety threshold 50, i.e., H
2, and thereby exceeds H
1, the control unit (not shown) triggers an event 45 (not shown) The event 45 is preferably
the sounding of an alarm which may be a siren or warning light, or both to alert the
user to the height risk. In this way, the user is made aware of the height risk before
stepping onto the tread elements 11 of the escalator 10.
[0043] The safety system 40 is positioned in a fixed space above and to the fore of the
tread elements 11, i.e., above the entrance to the escalator 10, such that a monitoring
area 411 covers a user set 30 before the user set 30 mounts the escalator 10. It is
secured in the fixed space using any means appropriate, e.g., via screws to a wall;
a strong adhesive.
[0044] It is also envisaged in this embodiment that the safety system 40 can be synced with
the control unit of the escalator 12 (not shown). In particular it is envisaged that
the control unit 44 of the safety system 40 can be in connection with the control
unit of the escalator 12 (as shown in figure 1b). This connection would enable the
escalator 10 to slow down and eventually stop in the event of a height risk.
[0045] Figure 3 shows an escalator as passenger moving installation 10 according to another
advantageous embodiment of the invention. The escalator 10 of this embodiment is similar
to the escalator shown in figure 2.The monitoring device 41 of the safety system 40
is a sensor, instead of a camera. The sensor 41 is positioned in a fixed space directly
above the beginning of the tread elements 11. The sensor 41 in particular an infra-red
sensor, projects a beam or a plane of energy parallel to the moving direction of the
tread elements 11. In this example, the sensor projects a beam of energy, however
a plane of energy would achieve the same. The level the beam is projected at demarcates
the height of the safety threshold 50, i.e. H
2. The length of the beam demarcates the monitoring area 411. It is also envisaged
that the sensor 41 projects a shorter-range beam in the opposite direction so that
the area from the beginning of the escalator to the tread elements is covered and
thus demarcated as a monitoring area 411 also. The user set 30 enters the monitoring
area 411 at point "X". Thus the risk of collision can be detected before the user
set 30 begins to ascend the escalator and/or during travel on the escalator.
[0046] In this embodiment, no input of height data is required. A user set 30 with a height
equal to or greater than the safety threshold 50 (H
2) will interfere with the infra-red beam of the sensor 41 in the monitoring area 411
and thus trigger an event 45 (not shown) at the control unit 44 (not shown). In this
example, the event 45 is the sounding of an alarm. Thus, the sensor 41 provides the
collective advantages of a monitoring device, and a height-detection means.
[0047] It is also envisaged in this embodiment that more than one sensor 41 above the tread
elements 11 can be used. This is useful in cases where a sensor 41 can provide only
a short range beam of energy, thus in order to ensure an uninterrupted safety threshold
50 along the direction of travel of the tread elements 11, several sensors can be
used.
[0048] A camera as a monitoring device 41 can also be used in this embodiment. A camera
at position A directed in the moving position of the tread elements would provide
the same monitoring area 411 and safety threshold 50 as that of the sensor beam. Similarly,
a first camera at position A directed in the moving position of the tread elements
and a second camera at position
B directed in a position opposite to the moving direction of the tread elements 11,
i.e., towards camera A, would provide the same monitoring area 411 and safety threshold
50 as that of the sensor beam.
[0049] It is also envisaged in this embodiment that the safety system 40 can be synced with
the control unit of the escalator 12 (as shown in figures 1b and/or 1d). This connection
would enable the escalator to slow down and eventually stop in the event of a height
risk.
[0050] Figure 4 shows an escalator 10 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.
The escalator10 comprises a plurality of tread elements 11 which are shown by the
arrow as moving in an upward direction. It is also envisaged that the tread elements
can move in a downward direction or along a horizontal positon. Indeed it is envisaged
that the tread elements 11 can be adapted to move along any angle within safety regulations
or requirements.
[0051] The tread elements 11 of the escalator10 are covered by a ceiling 20. The escalator
10 comprises a safety system 40 positioned about the ceiling 20 at the beginning of
the tread elements 11. The safety system 40 comprises a first monitoring device 41
A and a second monitoring device 41
B. The safety system 40 also comprises a height-detection means and a control unit,
however these are not shown.
[0052] The first monitoring device 41
A of the safety system 40 is a camera and the second monitoring device 41
B of the safety system 40 is a sensor. The camera 41
A is positioned in the same fixed space as the camera shown in figure 2, i.e., above
and to the fore of the tread elements 11, (above the entrance to the escalator 10),
such that a monitoring area 411 covers a user set 30 before the user set 30 mounts
the escalator 10. The sensor 41
B is positioned in the same fixed space as the sensor shown in figure 3, i.e., directly
above the beginning of the tread elements 11. The sensor 41
B is in particular an infra-red sensor, and projects a beam of energy parallel to the
moving direction of the tread elements 11. The level the beam is projected at demarcates
the height of the safety threshold 50, i.e., H
2.whilst the height of the ceiling 20 above the tread elements 11 is H
1.The length of the beam demarcates the monitoring area 411. As shown in figure 3,
the sensor 41
B also projects a shorter-range beam in the opposite direction so that the area at
the beginning of the escalator, i.e., the beginning of the handrail, to the tread
elements 11 is covered. The combination of the camera 41
A and the sensor 41
B as monitoring devices provides for an uninterrupted monitoring area 411 that covers
a user set 30 from before the user set 30 mounts the escalator 10 to the point where
the user set 30 can travel on the escalator 10 no further. Consequently, the risk
of collision can be detected throughout this whole monitoring area, which is considerably
larger than the monitoring area 411 shown in figures 2 and 3. There can be an overlap
of the monitoring area 411 that is covered by the camera 41
A and sensor 41
B. However, in such a case, the height of the safety threshold 50 remains the same
and if the user set 30 exceeds said height, the control unit can trigger an event
(not shown) via either the camera 41
A or the sensor 41
B or both simultaneously.
[0053] The monitoring area 411 begins at point "X" and is covered by the camera 41
A until point X
41. From point X
41 to the end of the monitoring area 411, the monitoring area 411 is covered by the
sensor 41
B.
[0054] Prior to the escalator 10 being set in operation, the safety system 40 is programmed
according to the requirements of the escalator 10. The safety threshold 50 height
data (H
2) is recorded and stored via computer (not shown). Once stored and the escalator 10
is in operation, the safety system 40 via the camera 41
A constantly monitors the height of any user set 30 as it enters monitoring area 411
at point "X" and continues to monitor the height of any user set 30 until point X
41.
[0055] If the user set 30 is in the monitoring area 411 between points X and X
41, and the height-detection means (not shown) detects the height of the user set 30
to be the same as or exceed the safety threshold 50, i.e., H
2, or is the same as or exceeds H
1, the control unit (not shown) will trigger an event 45, for example, an alarm (not
shown).
[0056] If the user set 30 has travelled through the monitoring area 411 covered by camera
41
A without causing a height risk, but their circumstances have changed since entering
the monitoring area 411 covered by sensor 41
B, for example, the user has switched a piece of luggage from one arm to another or
has taken an item out of a suitcase, wherein said new circumstances lead to the user
set 30 having a height equal to or greater than the safety threshold 50 (H
2), the user set 30 will interfere with the beam of the sensor 41
B and thus cause the control unit (not shown) to trigger the alarm (not shown). The
sensor 41
B provides the collective advantages of a monitoring device, tracking system and height-detection
means. This is particularly advantageous because in the event the camera 41
A fails to operate or is faulty, the sensor 41
B remains in operation (or
vice versa) and thus, the safety system 40 is still able to alert a user/passenger should a
risk of collision be posed.
[0057] It is also envisaged in this embodiment that more than one sensor 41
B above the tread elements 11 can be used. This is useful in cases where the sensor
provides only a short range beam of energy. Thus in order to ensure an uninterrupted
safety threshold 50 along the direction of travel of the tread elements 11, several
sensors can be used.
[0058] Instead of sensors, it is also possible to carry out this embodiment with a camera
at position A directed in the moving position of the tread elements. This would provide
the same monitoring area 411 and safety threshold 50 as that of the sensor beam. Similarly,
a first camera at position A directed in the moving position of the tread elements
11 and a second camera at position
B directed in a position opposite to the moving direction of the tread elements 11
i.e., towards camera A, would provide the same monitoring area 411 and safety threshold
50 as that of the sensor beam. Indeed any combination of sensors, light-emitting means
and cameras can be incorporated into the safety system 40.
[0059] It is also envisaged in this embodiment that the safety system 40 can be synced with
the control unit of the escalator 12 (as shown in figures 1b and/or 1d). This connection
would enable the escalator to slow down and eventually stop in the event of a height
risk.
[0060] Figure 5 is a flow diagram explaining the process behind when the safety system 40,
in particular, the control unit 44 triggers an event 45. When a user set 30 approaches
the passenger moving installation (not shown), the safety system (not shown) will
determine whether a risk of collision is posed or not. This is achieved by determining
whether the detected height of the user set 30 is greater than the height of the element
20 (H
1). If the detected height of the user set 30 is greater than the height of the element
20, an event 45 is triggered by the control unit (not shown) of the safety system.
If the height of the user set 30 is less than the height of the element 20, then no
risk is posed, and the user set is able to travel without incident on the passenger
moving installation.
[0061] The above embodiments are examples of how the invention can be implemented. Parts
of one embodiment may be combined with parts of another embodiment without departing
from the overall scope of the invention.
Reference signs list
[0062]
- 10
- passenger moving installation
- 11
- tread elements
- 12
- control unit of passenger moving installation
- 20
- element
- 30
- user set
- 40
- safety system
- 41
- monitoring device
- 41A
- first monitoring device
- 41B
- second monitoring device
- 411
- monitoring area
- 42
- tracking system
- 43
- height-detection means
- 44
- control unit
- 45
- event
- 50
- safety threshold
- 100
- process diagram
- 200
- flow chart
- H1
- height from tread elements 11 to element 20
- H2
- height from tread elements 11 to safety threshold 50
- X
- beginning of monitoring area 411
- X41
- end of monitoring area 411 covered by monitoring device 41A/start of monitoring area 411 by monitoring device 41B
1. A passenger moving installation (10) comprising a plurality of tread elements (11)
which form an endless conveyor belt, wherein the plurality of tread elements (11)
are at least partially covered by at least one element (20) which limits a transportation
height of a user set (30) of the installation (10), characterized by a safety system (40) which is adapted to detect if there is a risk of collision between
the user set (30) and the at least one element (20).
2. The passenger moving installation (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a risk of collision is detected by the safety system (40) if the safety system (40)
determines that the height of the user set (30) reaches or exceeds a safety threshold
(50) with respect to a maximum height.
3. The passenger moving installation (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the safety system (40) is adapted to trigger an event (45) in particular once the
detected height reaches or exceeds the safety threshold (50).
4. The passenger moving installation (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety system (40) comprises a monitoring device (41), wherein the monitoring
device (41) is adapted to monitor in a predetermined monitoring area (411) at least
the height data of the user set (30).
5. The passenger moving installation according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the safety threshold (50) is a predetermined height value stored in the safety system
(40), wherein the safety system (40) is adapted to compare the height data of the
user set (30) with the predetermined height value.
6. The passenger moving installation according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the monitoring
device (41) is selected from the group comprising: at least one sensor, at least one
light-emitting means, at least one camera, or any combination thereof.
7. The passenger moving installation (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the safety system (40) is positioned such that the monitoring area (411) covers the
user set (30) in front of the passenger moving installation (10) before mounting occurs
.
8. The passenger moving installation (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the safety system (40) is positioned such that the monitoring area (411) covers the
area in which a user set (30) is mounting and travelling on the moving installation
(10).
9. The passenger moving installation (10) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the safety system (40) is positioned such that the monitoring area (411) covers the
user set (30) in front of the passenger moving installation (10) before mounting occurs
and during mounting and travelling on the moving installation (10).
10. The passenger moving installation (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the safety system (40) further comprises a height-detection means (43) for determining
the height of a user set (30).
11. The passenger moving installation (10) according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein
the safety threshold (50) is comprised of at least one sensor, which forms a detection
beam or area, wherein the height of the safety threshold (50) is defined by the position
of the at least one sensor.
12. The passenger moving installation (10) according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein
the safety system (40) further comprises a tracking system (42) for tracking the user
set (30) throughout the monitoring area (411).
13. A method to determine for a passenger moving installation (10) comprising a plurality
of tread elements (11) at least partially covered by at least one element (20), a
risk of collision between a user set (30) and said at least one element (20), said
method comprising the following steps:
a) determining the height of the user set (30) in a monitoring area (411) via a safety
system (40);
b) comparing the height of the user set (30) in the monitoring area (411) with the
height of a safety threshold (50);
c) triggering an event (45) at the safety system (40) if the height of the user set
(30) reaches or exceeds the safety threshold (50).
14. A method for modernizing a passenger moving installation comprising a plurality of
tread elements (11) at least partially covered by at least one element (20)
characterized by providing a safety system (40) adapted to detect if there is a risk of collision
between a user set (30) and the at least one element (20), wherein the safety system
(40) comprises a monitoring device (41) wherein the monitoring device (41) is adapted
to monitor in a predetermined monitoring area (411) such that the predetermined monitoring
area (411) includes the user set (30):
a) in front of the passenger moving installation (10) before mounting occurs ; or
b) during mounting and travelling on the passenger moving installation (10); or
c) in front of the passenger moving installation (10) before mounting occurs and during
mounting and travelling on the moving installation (10).
15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the safety system (40) further comprises a height-detection means (43) for determining
the height of a user set (30) within the monitoring area (411);
wherein the monitoring device (41) and the height-detection means (43) are positioned
in the same fixed space.